Sunday, September 21, 2014

Minerals are essential for a variety of bodily functions including strong bones, teeth, blood, skin, hair, nerve function and metabolic processes that turn the food we eat into energy. But due to depleted soils, fast foods and picky eaters, many kids and moms are not getting the minerals they need, which means the vitamins they are eating are not being absorbed because minerals are the carrier of nutrients to our cells.

If our cells are fed the right nutrients our immune systems are supercharged and our bodies function at its optimal capacity.

Some minerals to include in your diet every day are:

Iron-- You need iron to carry oxygen throughout your body. Without it, you may end up feeling tired and even have trouble thinking straight. Some of the best sources are oysters, beef, chicken, raisins, spinach and fortified cereals, chickpeas and prunes

Potassium-- Potassium helps regulate blood pressure by offsetting the blood pressure-raising effects of sodium. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine revealed that a diet high in sodium and low in potassium doubles a person's risk of death from heart disease. Some of the best sources are bananas, baked potatoes, raisins, tomatoes and artichokes, avocados, cantaloupe.

Magnesium: One of the most underrated minerals, magnesium is involved in over 300 chemical reactions in your body. Magnesium provides energy, helps keep your cells healthy and strong and enables your cells to communicate with one another and enhance optimal functioning. Magnesium also helps regulate blood pressure, keeps your bones strong and prevents insulin resistance and migraine headaches.

Some of the best sources are bran cereal, brown rice, almonds, Swiss chard and molasses.

Zinc: Zinc is critical for keeping your immune system strong. It fights infection, making you less likely to catch a cold or the flu. It also helps wounds heal and helps women have healthier pregnancies. Some of the best sources are oysters, crab, beef and pork and almond butter, oatmeal, wheat germ and eggs.

If you feel you are not getting enough minerals through the food you are eating or you are low energy or your kids are having trouble focusing in school, consider adding a mineral supplement. My favorite one is Hu minerals. It carries over 79 major & trace minerals, every mineral the body requires in one supplement. And they have it in different forms. Www.humineral.com. Since I have turned so many clients onto it they have given me a special prom code. Call 888-765-0087 and ask for moms minerals special.

About Me

I grew up with a fat dad—450 pounds (at his heaviest). Every week he was on a new fad diet, and my whole family was forced to eat whatever freeze dried, saccharin loaded concoction he was eating, so we would not blow his diet. By 9 years old, I was an expert on Atkins, Pritikin, Weight Watchers, and Jenny Craig, and had spent time at the Fat Farm at Duke University eating only white rice for 4 weeks.
Even though I was a tiny little thing, shorter and skinnier then any of my peers, this was the only food in my home. My only escape to normality was going to my grandmother’s house on the weekends. My parents liked to go out a lot, which was lucky for me as I got to spend every weekend at my grandmother’s house until I was 9. When I walked in the door, I felt like I had died and gone to heaven. The aroma of delicious baked goods, homemade soups, giant salads and beautiful fruits colored the air and my world. It was the only place I can remember feeling happy, safe and nourished. It was what I lived for and looked forward to. To this day my grandmother, who is 95, is my Angel. I want to share my stories and the recipes that my grandmother taught me.